Lifestyle

CHRPES
Congenital hypertrophy of
the retinal pigment epithelium

David Kinshuck

Congenital hypertrophy of
the retinal pigment epithelium (CHRPE)

this is a darker CHRPE lesion. More typical lesions are lighter with a
halo

Familial
polyposis coli patients
have about a 50% risk of having CHRPE. Whilst this bowel condition can
lead to bowel cancers, the eye changes are harmless...they are just patches
of pigment in the retina, similar to a freckle. They are darker and more
pigmented than naevi. CHRPEs are important
findings in the relations of familial adenomatous polyposis patients
(Gardner'
syndrome). On the other hand very few patients with CHRPE have bowel cancer problems
(see)

if there is a family history of bowel cancer, referral to a lower bowel
gastroenterologist is advisable

advise patients how to lower the risk of bowel cancer...avoid smoking,
avoid lots of red med, avoid saturated and transfats, do eat 7-9 portions
of vegetables/fruit day (the same diet for healthy hearts and maculae),
and have plenty of exercise, keep thin